Clinical applications of the Er:YAG laser in cariology and oral surgery

摘要

Abstract: For the treatment of carious decays of enamel anddentin the Er:YAG laser is preferred in comparison toother laser systems, because of the thermomechanicalprocess. Cavity preparation as well as removal ofsecondary carious lesions without thermal damage to thetooth hard substances and the pulp is possible.Clinical studies have shown that the pain perception isless than by drilling with the mechanical burr. Fromexperimental studies it can be concluded, that theEr:YAG laser can possibly substitute the acid etchingtechnique in conditioning the tooth surface. Furtherindications can be given in oral surgery for incisionor excision of benign mucosal diseases and for cuttingbone. As an advantage, opposite to other thermal lasersystems, the wound healing process is very similar tothe wound healing after mechanical cutting by thescalpel or by the burr.!34